is cairo safe for female tourists

I didnt experience the same levels of verbal harassment in other parts of Egypt Luxor, Aswan and Dahab. Keep reading for a full guide on how to stay safe in Egypt as a woman. But, once you get used to that, you should find that the frantic and frenetic side of the city makes for fascinating daily life. After three bites of macarona bechamel, I foreshadowed returning to my room at the Steigenberger Hotel Cairo and collapsing onto my bed in a calorie-laden stupor 'til morning. For that reason, wed recommend sticking to bottled water if possible. If youre a woman simplyexisting, youre fair game. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. When it comes to misbehaving tourists in Bali, Niluh Djelantik has seen . There is no compulsory dress code for women in Egypt, unlike some nearby nations, but tourists should wear what might be considered conservative for Westerners and keep knees, shoulders, and cleavages covered to avoid attention. Overall crime stats for Cairo show that its actually a safer city than many places in Europe and North America. This top is stylish enough to stay respectful while traveling Egypt & still looks great in photos! Airport security in Cairo is very tight. To put that into perspective a little, that means Cairo consistently scores better than London and New York on the same safety scale. It might just take some time to getting used to crossing the road in streams of traffic and navigating those body-packed marketplaces. Harassing tourists, especially women, is NOT allowed in Egypt. Egypt is one of the most unique and lively places Ive ever visited. | Safety Concerns, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Cairo in 2023. There are some areas where you will need to pay special attention in Cairo. Cairo is also home to many slums. I knew I wanted to visit the West Desert while in Egypt, a magical alien-looking place you can only access by driving out in an off-road vehicle and camping, usually in private small groups. What's harassment like (of women, or of tourists) in Egypt like? Most of those leave after having seen the amazing Pyramids and the Coptic sights of Old Cairo without having had a single issue. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Dont engage in conversation or accept invitations to visit their store or familys store. Cairo can be challenging due to the crowds, traffic, and pickpockets. Mums are mums, they have their children welfare at heart. Youll get catcalls, people will say hello to you in every language they think you might be, and youll get beeped at. Pickpocketing is one of the bigger problems. If you ever do get lost and need to reorient yourself, dont stop in the middle of a busy area. There is also a false notion that Egypt is dangerous and terrorists are around every corner. Do you have to be 100% covered up? Is Cairo safe for female tourists? Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy's limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. I booked a female tour guide Rasha, who I found was highly recommended on Trip advsor forums. Your foreign appearance will single you out for potential scammers, but tourists also get additional protection in the form of Tourism Police. Due to the political upheavals of the last decade and some less-than-friendly relations with near national neighbours, terrorism remains a very real threat in Cairo. Maybe Im overly cautious, but my friends all agreed this was a pretty creepy way to act from a tour company and we decided to go with Egypt Western Desert Tours (not to be confused with Western Desert Tours ) instead. The first question I get asked while traveling as a woman without a man is are you married?. Find to a quiet part of the street where people are less likely to notice you. The capital is actually the only exception to that rule, since loads of chlorine is added to the supply here. The yearly gun death rate in Cairo is 33 incidents per 100,000 people. With everything we hear in the media, its not surprising this is top of mind. 17 Apr Cairo is a lot of things. I had never experienced that in my entire life, but in Egypt, its pretty common. For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Take Uber and the female-only metro car if you take the metro, Join a tour for the beginning of your trip, This is something Id consider if youre travelling alone and arent used to traveling to a country with this type of culture. Below, car horns bellow tuneless symphonies amid avenues of faded 19th-century grandeur while donkey carts rattle down dusty lanes lined with colossal Fatimid and Mamluk monuments. Cairo is magnificent, beautiful and, at time, infuriating. I think basing that from the past when yes, it was bad. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This matches up with the overall violent crime rate for Egypt, which is only 2.55 incidents per 100,000 people. But even those were those things, were other people, and were ourselves. Cairo is a big city and many females ask "Is Cairo safe for solo female tourists?"! Thank you for your kind words! Avoid pickpockets by keeping your belongings close and out of sight. All women are Shakira in Egypt) to greet you on every street. Egypt is famous for the quality and affordability of its gold, making it a popular souvenir for tourists. She says if I got into any trouble, the police wouldn't help me. Uber has also been available in Egypt since 2014 and is considered very safe in Cairo. I went to work in Egypt as a single female 40+ years ago and returned 12 years later with a husband and two children so watch out, Thank you for this reply! Sunglasses: Self-explanatory but really necessary for visiting all the ruins! Skinny jeans are fine. Egypt is a relatively safe nation as long as you maintain basic safety precautions and adhere to local customs. The locals here are fairly conservative, so dress modestly to avoid sticking out. If youre a woman traveling either alone or in a group, you will probably experience more harassment than the typical male tourist in Egypt. Other key places to watch out for pickpockets are on the bustling plaza of Tahrir Square (one of the towns main gathering points), Khan El Khalily (the historic souk area), and on the Cairo Metro (the main urban transport system). What to expect as a female foreigner in Egypt, Its three light beeps which means ba-hib-bik, which means I love you in Arabic. Egypt has a very special place in our hearts. Yes, I saidwith. All that considered, we can say that Cairo is generally a safe city to visit. 7 Reasons We Think It Is. Though we travelled as a couple, we were living in Egypt for some time, so Ive had to travel around Cairo regularly by myself. Its not common to touch women you dont know pretty much anywhere in the world, but especially in Egypt. The UK foreign office lists the overall risk as very likely across Egypt. The Ultimate Corfu Itinerary 5 Days In Ionias Paradise, Is Cyprus Worth Visiting? Birqash, Barqash, Imbaba, Giza Governorate, Egypt November 18, 2016 : Camel trade at Birqash market/SRStudio/Shutterstock. Level Contributor 19 posts Cairo safe for a single female traveller? I made sure to cover my arms, shoulders, midriff, and legs every day in Egypt. I was going to ask if they had any other all-girl groups we could meet up with (strength in numbers!) Bring the embassy # which you should always do anyway. Our life-changing trip to Habiba Community was thanks to a spontaneous invitation from our Egyptian friends. Cairo. Is it safe to visit the pyramids? You can dress a bit more freely in certain areas, like the more touristic cities of Aswan and Luxor. Victim-blaming is rampant and both men and women believe that if a woman dresses in revealing clothing, she wants the attention and harassment. Ive been traveling a lot, so Im used to it and can shut this stuff down fast, but more than once I had to swoop in and help my friends who were being crowded and yelled at by taxi drivers or random guys trying to get a date or a photo from them. What's more, it's visited by millions of travelers each year, the vast majority of which will come and go without a single hitch. That can see the thermometers drop to a relatively mild 21 C/70 F. However, you will want to avoid the spring months, when strong sandstorms can blow across the city thanks to the khamsin winds. It is safe to walk around Cairo if you make sure your valuables are secure and out of sight. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Learn more. The Egyptian government is very strict about unauthorized demonstrations and has come under attack for infringing on peoples civil liberties. Why it's so dangerous: "India is a Trip by Skyscanner favorite destination for solo female travelers and one of the most complex, with wide variations across regions," says Pond. 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE. And with a military presence throughout, the threat of terrorism is much lower than it was before. So, going out at night in Egypt is fine (and fun!) Never feel like you cant ask for help or directions. Its three light beeps which means ba-hib-bik, which means I love you in Arabic. Just like you would to call a cat . Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know to choose the best Cairo hotel with Pyramid views for any budget in 2023. How dangerous is Cairo for tourists? Generally, while there's a lot going on in the city, it's a safe place for travel. Dress conservatively and move around with a guide or male escort after dark and youll be fine. I got used to wearing the hood of my jacket when I walked around on my own and I noticed a dramatic difference in the number of stares I would get. Get regular posts on language learning, global culture, and distant destinations. They want you to love and be happy in your new home. But to put it in context, the environment reminded me of countries in Latin America and Europe that have a macho culture (e.g. While Egypt is still very much ahead in terms of womens rights compared to other countries in the Middle East, Cairo remains one of the worst major cities for the harassment of women. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. The safest areas to stay in Cairo (and the ones to avoid), Best Tattoo Studios in Cairo: 7 Parlours to Visit, Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? People will come up to you offering to be your tour guide or some other service. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Spain or France: Which European Country For Your Next Trip? A good resting bitch face will serve you well. Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. With everything we hear in the media, it's not surprising this is top of mind. People who go out to the bars and clubs at night are totally different than the majority conservative population Even at just like, 8 PM in Cairo outside of Tahrir Square, there arebarely anywomen out and about. Anytime between October and April is a good time to visit Cairo. Its a long-running joke in Egypt. The metro is also a great way to get around and escape Cairo traffic. I recommend packing some personal safety items for all travelers going to Egypt, including this Shes Birdie Personal Safety Alarm that can snap on any keychain and be ready to use in a pinch! Egypt can experience some extreme weather. I know this for a fact because when I first got to Egypt I had a few days before my friends arrived and I didnt want to see Cairo without them so I went straight to the seaside town of Alexandria while I waited. Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone as they could be vulnerable to unwanted attention or harassment. Youre going to get a lot of casual marriage proposals, its just another way to catcall and its not that serious. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. How safe is Cairo Egypt . Most homicide and violent crime rates dont include mass casualty events such as terrorist attacks, which do happen in Cairo. It has low rates of crime that are actually better than many major cities in Europe and North America. ticking up very fast). Its a littttttle bit assumed that women are more impressionable and easy to get to do things. These are our solo women traveller safety tips for Cairo and Egypt. Read More Cairo To Giza Pyramids: 5 BEST Ways To Travel In 2023Continue. This means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click through these links and make a purchase. Wed say that Cairo is generally a safe city to visit. Pretty much everyone I met in Egypt (who didnt work in the tourism industry) was the nicest person Ive ever met. In short, as a woman, while I have felt uncomfortable at times and irritated at others, I never felt like I was in danger. Yes, theres a car honk code for cat-calling in Egypt! Most visitor guides to Cairo advise that the city is beautiful, but that it is overwhelming for many first-time visitors. Terrorist attacks are still happening, and political repression is tightening. Wondering if there is Uber in Morocco? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108532825', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Egypt is safe for an single female traveller so long as that traveller is well informed and acts responsibly. I have 2 friends now in Cairo, one is a doctor and one is an engineering student. A review of my three months of training BJJ at Cercle Tissier, France. Since these are crimes of opportunity, you can make sure that thieves realize you are not a good opportunity for theft. This means dressing conservatively, especially in bigger cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Warrens of medieval streets lead people to lively souks. She gets absolutely furious when I say I want to go there. The US Department of State warns travelers to "reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism.". Here are some of the most common questions other travelers to Cairo wanted to know: Theres definitely an elevated risk when visiting Cairo in 2023. or if they received groups like this a lot, and they responded like well like this: Not the response I wanted from people taking us to the desert! Safety Index: 39 Egypt : Safety by City Alexandria Cairo Sharm el Sheikh Egypt - safety as a country Cairo is the capital of Egypt and with more than 16 million people it belongs to the world's most densely populated cities. A good way to make sure its legit is to look for the registration number before getting in. Every truly mind-blowing meal has been a recommendation from a local. Im called lao-wai in China. 9 Reasons To Go, Is Egypt Expensive? The city is rife with scammers looking to take advantage of tourists. Many governments also advise caution in case of terrorism, political demonstrations, and sexual harassment. There are a few key parts of the town that most travelers head to, along with a select few others that people should avoid. Egypt is bonkers Ive never been anywhere else where upon hearing no to a date a guy will just go straight to asking for some cash . I was reading a lot of negative reviews for things in Egypt, like tour companies and hotels, with westerners saying something along the lines of they offered me 5 camels to buy my wife! Old, young, blonde, brunette, it doesnt matter. She has been full-time traveling through North, Central, & South America; as well as Europe, Africa, and now Asia for over two years. I have some lightweight joggers and long-sleeved linen shirts that helped me stay cool while being covered in the heat. Jo is a culture and adventure seeker, born and raised California, and with a love of the outdoors. Safety Tip! I would really love to return , but my mother really dislikes Egypt. Tourists in this large city are at high risk for theft and scams, especially in busy tourist attractions. Many people come to Cairo to explore the archeological legacy of Ancient Egypt and to learn more about Egypts more recent history. Cairo wasnt always this way. (Scary) Pro Tip: Delete Your Old Flashcards! There are usually two dedicated cars that are for women only. I appreciate that a lot, its a truly compelling report and I am gonna definitelyRead more . Try and understand where shes coming from, whats affected her opinions, and try to reassure her by sharing your plans, explaining what you intend to be doing and points of contact. Some areas are heavily policed and can feel safe even after dark, but solo travelers are more likely to stand out in Cairo. That makes it generally healthier and okay to drink, but not the tastiest water on the planet by any stretch. But official statistics underreport the problem, both because women are ashamed to report the situation and because Egyptian officials take sexual harassment and assault less seriously than they should. It makes sense since pickpockets are attracted by nearby tourists and the potential of a quick buck. Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Its now home to nearly 22 million people and reigns as the countrys main political hub. The short answer is, Sure, but with prudence and common sense, especially if you're alone on the street at night. To stay safe in Egypt, there are some things you can avoid. Welcome to my blog! but Iwouldnt ever recommendwalking around at night. We were able to hear stories and perspectives of all aspects of Egyptian culture things that you cant find in any article online. Want To Take A Nile Cruise From Cairo That Sails From Luxor To Aswan? Puerto Rico vs the Dominican Republic: Which Ones Better? Even though mywhole thingis solo female adventuring, the idea of camping in the desert, completely away from civilization with male tour guides in Egypt gave me a pause. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Egypt has just two seasons and winter in Cairo makes it much easier to sightsee with pleasantly warm temperatures but less humidity and cooler daily highs. Theyre not always right, or as informed as they could be on matters of travel or international safety. Lets take a closer looks at the individual risks and worries about planning a jaunt here. There is now a website, called HarrassMap, where you can actually report sexual harassment. Book Your Cairo Airport Transfer Now! Cairo is a big city and many females ask "Is Cairo safe for solo female tourists?"! Getting around by taxi is slow, but its a much safer idea than hiring your own vehicle and trying to do it yourself. Every single city in the world has some areas that are safer than others. Planning a trip and want some Egypt travel inspiration? As in any other major city, you dont want to walk around at night if it can be avoided and a taxi is always your best bet. Read More The Joy and Pain of Travelling While Non-whiteContinue. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Egypt. Camping in the White Desert was the BEST thing we did in Egypt (along with our AMAZING Nile River Cruise!). We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. However I would say (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? pay for content, product research, guides, and more). They just cant help it! In my conversations with Egyptian women, they told me that while harassment has always existed, it was never at this scale. That can can be unbearable for sightseeing and exploring the ancient complexes. It wasnt until I went to Egypt that I learned why we call them catcalls. In response to Salam Alaikum, some will respond with the same or shortened to just say Salam. The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. 2022 Girls United Summit. 4 Comments These are our solo women traveller safety tips for Cairo and Egypt. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. She Got Now . Remember theres not much shade on offer around the Pyramids of Giza! Here are just a few of the top safety tips that we can think of for would-be visitors to the capital of Egypt. I would thank Bellies En Routes food tour for the deliciously uncomfortable gift and let the sheep count me [to sleep]. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can cook with the water in Cairo, so long as its boiled, but you might want to look out for where restaurants and bars get their ice. Does that mean I think women shouldnt go? Do not look men in the eye directly unless you are talking to a shop owner, etc. Crime statistics do not paint a complete picture of the risk of violence in Cairo. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a great time on your next trip to Egypt! Try to map out where youre going ahead of time and keep track of your route. Start Here Africa Egypt Is Cairo Safe to Visit in 2023? Our goal is to bring you closer to places and people that would otherwise seem foreign by providing guides to studying languages, understanding culture, and living in unfamiliar places. However, you can mitigate the risk of being caught up terrorist-related incidents by steering clear of protests and gatherings. The touristy side of Egypt is completely different from the local experience. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. Still, you dont have to prescribe to Islam to live comfortably in Cairo. On top of that, tourists are even protected by a special police force should anything go wrong, as the tourism industry is so important to the function of the city. Guide to living in Tel Aviv for the medium-term visitor travellers, remote workers, or digital nomads. They give advice (or warnings) because they care. 9 Safety Tips For Women Traveling To Egypt, What You Need To Know To Prepare For Your Trip To Egypt, Culture Shocks From My First Trip To Egypt, Complete Guide To Camping In The White Desert, share your location with friends in live-time. The short answer is, Sure, but with prudence and common sense, especially if you're alone on the street at night. Thats most likely to happen to you in the maze-like district of Old Cairo, a medieval-era mix of tight-knit lanes and alleys. Egypt is in a dangerous neighborhood, and parts of the country such as the Sinai Peninsula and Libyan border are home to terrorist groups. So if you do cover your head, it will help you disappear a bit more. But is Cairo safe? Dress appropriately. Walk with determination. But, even if you're only on your own during transit to and from Cairo airport, it really helps to be covered up as much as possible. And THIS is what the owner of the tour company sent me like, months after we had left . Unless you are politically active or in a demonstration, you are more protected from any government overreach (unless you are a dual Egyptian citizen). Absolutely not! Cairo safe for a single female traveller? You might also be wondering if it is safe. One of the questions we get the most about travel to Egypt is whether Egypt is safe: specifically, is it safe for women travelers? I feel like Ive said this so many times on this blog but even though Egypt is the most difficult country Ive traveled in (so far), Egyptian people are SO kind!

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